In any relationship, one's own sexual needs are likely to be met at some point during its lifespan. When it comes to meeting those needs, there is no single path that leads to success. Each individual is unique in their preferences and desires, so the path will vary from person to person. However, there are some general strategies that can help honor these needs effectively and consistently within a committed partnership. Here are five tips for honoring your sexual needs in partnerships:
1) Communicate openly about what you desire. When you want something specific, make sure to communicate this to your partner. This could involve speaking up about fantasies, sharing feelings, or asking for an activity that you would like to try out. It may feel scary to put yourself out there, but doing so will show your partner that you value them as someone who wants to meet your needs. Additionally, if they are able to reciprocate your request, then both of you will benefit. 2) Find ways to meet your needs without relying solely on your partner. There are many activities that can meet your sexual needs outside of your partner; self-exploration techniques, reading erotica, watching pornography, etc. If you find that your partner does not have the same level of desire as you do, explore other methods to satisfy your cravings. You should also work together with your partner to develop new ways to spice things up. 3) Set boundaries with your partner. If you have certain limits around sex acts or situations, let your partner know. They may agree or disagree, but either way, you will be establishing clear expectations from each other which makes it easier to navigate future encounters. For example, you might say "I'm not into group sex" or "please no anal play". Be honest and direct when setting boundaries. 4) Don't take 'no' as final. Sometimes a partner declines your advances because they need more time to get into the mood or just aren't feeling it. If you respect their answer, they will likely reciprocate in kind later on. Try not to push too hard during these moments, or else risk damaging trust between you two. Wait until another day, week, month, etc., before trying again. 5) Take care of yourself emotionally and physically. If something is going wrong for either person involved in the relationship, this could affect their sexual performance. Make sure that both partners are taking care of themselves mentally and physically so that there isn't any resentment or frustration building up over time. Work out regularly, eat healthy foods, practice relaxation techniques like meditation, and seek therapy if needed. By following these tips, you can make sure that your needs are being met within your partnership while still maintaining respect for one another and creating a safe space for intimacy and honesty.